Monday, May 9, 2011

(I tried to get this posted on Friday before we left for Antalya, but I was experiencing problems with my computer. So I guess you must read the post a little late.)We’re in Turkey so I had completely forgotten it was Cinco de Mayo last week.Apparently, my husband hadn’t. During the day, he called me saying he wanted to make his infamous, salt-rimmed margaritas when he got home from work and asked if I would make my tomato salsa. (Remember our horrible Turkish-made margarita experience here?)Off to the store I went to procure the needed groceries.In the U.S., Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) with copious amounts of tacos, nachos and tequila-laced margaritas, not even realizing the real meaning of the day for many people of Mexican descent. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the day in 1862 when the Mexican army fought and defeated the French army in a David-and-Goliath-like battle. In the U.S. and some states in Mexico, the date is often celebrated with fiestas and parades so people can honor their Mexican heritage.These were going to be some “expensive” margaritas. 1 kilo of limes cost 15 TL (about $10 USD). Reserved bottles of Jose Cuervo tequila and Grand Marnier from airport duty free = priceless. 1 bag of tortilla chips = 10 TL ($6.50). Still cheaper and better to make the drinks at home.As I’ve said before, hubby is an excellent bartender. I let him have his fun in the kitchen while I finished making the salsa. He squeezed the limes with our giant hand juicer and even made a simple syrup.

He also garnished the margaritas with these adorable slug-like creatures he learned to make from a bartender on our honeymoon in Belize last year.

Now, Jason won’t divulge the exact measurements of his drink to me. However, if you’d like to make these margaritas at home, please email me and he will share the recipe individually with you. I will say his margaritas are top-notch and pack a good punch. We enjoyed them while we noshed on the chips and salsa at home.In the meantime, I will share my simple salsa recipe made ala Turkish-style, of course.Afiyet olsun!